346 A HISTORY OF 



but a few weeks later this recommendation was with- 

 drawn, and the show was held. 



In 1838 there was a great increase in the number 

 of cattle, and a great improvement in their quality. 

 On September the 1 8th, an autumn show of breeding 

 stock and a public sale by auction were held. 



In 1839 money prizes were resumed. In the 

 following year, through lack of funds, it was decided 

 to abandon the autumn show, and to concentrate 

 attention upon one good show, with money prizes. 



Owing to the epidemic among cattle in the year 

 1 84 1, the abandonment of the spring show was con- 

 templated, but finally the show was held, and it turned 

 out a very successful exhibition. 



At the show of 1844, Professor Dick of Edinburgh 

 lectured on the diseases of cattle, and Professor (after- 

 wards Sir Robert) Kane, on the relation of science to 

 agriculture. 



In 1845, in addition to the spring show held in 

 April, there was an exhibition of farm produce in 

 November ; and from this date a winter show in some 

 form or other was held for many years. 



In reporting on the spring show of 1848, the judges 

 said that the shorthorns were particularly good, and 

 they anticipated that English breeders would soon be 

 purchasers in Ireland. " Irish breeders have fully 

 earned this mark of distinction by a steady perseverance 

 in supplying themselves with stock from the most dis- 

 tinguished herds in Great Britain, irrespective of cost." 

 The show in 1850 was visited by a great storm, and 

 all the cattle sheds in Leinster Lawn were blown down. 

 Following the example of the Industrial Exhibition 

 of 1 85 1, a book for members to sign at the entrance 

 was instituted for the first time ; this practice continues 

 to the present day. 



